Stronger As One

Bed rest

A few days ago I was released from the pack infirmary, but now I've just been trapped in Jason and I's home while I continue to recover. I haven't been allowed to wander out much unless someones with me which has been a bit frustrating to say the least. Currently I'm alone downstairs , looking over the balcony at the plain grass below. 

I'm beginning to feel a bit stir crazy being strapped in all these different places. From confined to a coma, then a hospital bed.. and now here. I'm itching to stretch my legs a bit and see some other pack members. Jason told me some have been wanting to contact me but I've been too ill to see them yet. A little walk around wont hurt anybody.. right? 

I pushed myself up from the couch and slowly made my way our to the bathroom where an assortment of medications awaited me. I wouldn't be taking them much which I was very thankful for. The pain was going down and would only spring up if I moved a certain way or put to much pressure on a spot. 

The hall was silent as I stared down both ends. Jason was out on a hunting trip with some of the other higher ups from the pack to help get more food for our shops, so I wouldn't have any problems running into him. 

I slowly made my way down the stairs and to the kitchen. Our place didn't have much food yet in the kitchen so this was my best option for getting any nutrients. People were hanging about chatting and relaxing, as soon as they saw me their conversations ceased. 

I gave them some funny looks before continuing on into the kitchen. A man I didn't recognize was there cooking.. something good. My mouth starting watering at the intoxicating smell. The man turned around at my presence. He was in his mid 20's, with dark brown hair and deep green eyes. 

"Can I help you, kid?" He asked. I would have gotten angry at him but his tone of voice wasn't condescending. 

"I'm just stretching my legs and looking to grab a snack." 

"What's ya name?" 

"Dustin. Yours?" As soon as I answered his face paled slightly.

"You're Dustin?" He cleared his throat, "I'm Jonathan but people just call me John. I'm helping keep the communal fridge stocked with  food since the Luna has been a bit busy with the attack that happened."

I just nodded. John grabbed me a plate of whatever he was cooking and place it on the counter for me. I leaned against it and dug into the stew. It was delicious and reminded me of cold winter nights with my mother. The broth was thick, and held small pieces of beef and potatoes. I savored every bite, completely forgetting about the other wolf in the room. 

Once I was finished, I leaned back and moved to clean off the bowl, John quickly grabbed it from me.

"No worries, I got it. So, you're Jason's mate right? The one who saved all those pups and the Alpha?"

"Yeah.. I guess so."

"Well, its nice to finally meet you.. and I don't mean to say this.. but shouldn't you be back in your room?"

My eyes snapped to his, "How do you know?" I asked

"He kinda warned us to make sure you go back to your room if we find you wandering about.." His eyes dropped to the floor and he scratched the back of his head. "You sure get back.. they're gonna be home soon and I don't want you gettin' in trouble or somethin'."

"Thank you for the snack! It was nice meeting you John." I gave him a little wave before heading back up the stairs and too my room. Though it was still fairly early in the day, this little walk had me feeling exhausted. How much longer till I feel normal again? I sighed softly as I shut the door and headed up the stairs to our room. The large bed was beckoning me to come and rest and I was more than happy to oblige. I took of the shirt and shorts I threw on and climbed under the covers. I could hear the faint howl of the wolves returning as my body was slipping into sleep. 

Hopefully they had a good hunt..

My want of sleep was slipping at the idea of seeing our mate. We were stuck in a half awakened state as we waited for him to return to our room. I heard the soft click of the front door and his foot falls up the stairs. My heart was beating like the wings of a humming bird as I felt his warm breath wash over my face. His lips gently kissed my forehead and I heard the rustling of paper. 

As quick as he came, he left silently and left me alone again with my thoughts. I quickly opened my eyes and saw a neatly folded up piece of paper resting on the end table. 

I suddenly felt very nervous. 

I grabbed the paper and unfolded it, taking a deep breath before reading it. 

Dustin,

I wish I could be doing this in person.. but I want this finished before I see you. Jason and I have been working adamantly on something for you since I've been up and moving again and I'm sorry for how long its been taking.. it just needs to be perfect. 

Now.. I want to talk a bit more about what happened with you.. Jason told me about what you did, how you took my pain and allowed my body to heal.. I have done nothing to deserve such a noble act from you. This pack has not been deserving of the things you've done.. We tricked you into being calm and accepting a place among our ranks.. we didn't take the time to truly gain you trust and help you acclimate to this new life. My own son committed an unforgivable act on you.. and yet, you have saved young wolves, and you helped save me. Nothing I do in this life time will ever be enough to repay you, but I at least hope I can offer some joy in your life. You surprise is the least I can do for you.. I hope to speak with you soon Dustin.

Your indebted Alpha

I didn't have words to describe how I was feeling after reading this note. It was true.. this pack has really beaten me down. I never truly learned what its supposed to be like.. they tricked me with the Lunas Aura into making me sway my decision in their favor. I still haven't forgiven Jason for what he has done to me.. so why did I save him? 

I paused at the thought. 

Despite all that has occurred.. they have treated me with the most respect since my mother was murdered.. and I haven't been perfect either. 

And they are working on a surprise for me? That feels so bizarre. 

What do you think it could be? I asked my wolf.

My wolf has been resting a lot since the whole coma ordeal. He took a pretty hefty beating as well and we both needed time to recover. 

The possibilities are endless.. Id never thought we'd receive a gift from the Alpha of a pack. We should be extremely thankful. 

I'm very thankful.. it feels so strange to receive something like this? After what Jason did he gave me this charm, I held the small angel in my fingers, the gold reflecting softly in the natural light, a pained smiled pulled at my lips. A beautiful thing that brings back very painful memories.  And now here I am receiving something from the Alpha.

I didn't know what to think.. but I did know that I was over the moon with excitement. The sleep that was overcoming me early was completely gone, and the bubbling joy of the surprise completely occupied my thoughts.